How do you deal with stress or anxiety?

[EzraBladerunner]

There times when I need to go do something such as go to store or run an errand. I know I can deal with some of smaller things that no big deal. However, there's other situations that just gets me all nervous to a point. I know I quite a shy person and not the most social butterfly there is, so having to confront someone about anything is quite a feat for me.

For example, I wanted to go see a counselor at the college I go to so I can get a better idea on far am to completing my degree. So I brought my mom along for support and to help make sense of some of the paper work jargon and whatnot. Later, I got so anxious and unnerved about seeing the counselor. When she was about to ask me where I could use a computer or something, I guess I kind of blurted out "No-" until she got upset at me. (I was about say something that they had a computer lab that we could go to). I know earlier she was asking info about "Wasn't you in dean's list?" and I was really hesitant and nervous.

Things like this really puts me on edge and I guess I get self-concious at the same time. This translates to my mom that I "feel" like she's embarassing me. I know this isn't the case and I keep telling her I'm sorry. I guess I've said too many times already...

Anyway, I just tend to say things I don't mean. Wrong words that come out at the wrong time, and it turns a normal situation from good to bad. It's this stress I feel about having to deal certain things, like the guidance counselor and other school things that get me nervous as heck. Unforntunately, I keep realizing that I take it out on those closest to me AFTER it happens and lots of sore feelings are already in the air. (I'm hoping much later on the year or sometime, she'll give me another chance). I realize the problem too late and now I'm trying to find different ways to prevent myself from "drama queen"-ing, so to speak. Know what I mean? It's situations like that.

SO...
How do you guys deal with stressful situations or having to do something and it makes you feel anxious as all get out? Any advice? Do you take deep breaths, count to "1, 2, 3", or anything?

[Gold Guy]

I read a book. That usually helps calm me down.

[FireWarrior]

In situations of anxiety or stress such as getting ready to give an oral presentation, I typically take deep breaths and build my self confidence. As for stress in general I go to the gym and work out, punch a punching bag or play a video game. I have many other outlets I do so I don't get stressed as often or as much as other people do.

[podznvines]

I take deep breaths and, if I can, listen to calming music or move around.

[Michael JJ]

Well, I use to have roommates that really grated on my nerves. Whenever they got unbearable, I would take a walk around my college campus and take in the sounds of nature. Or, if it was raining, I'd go out to eat with my best friend that lived nearby.

[Lelouch]

To be honest, I am pretty good at managing my stress so that I rarely do get to the point where I am about to break down. However, I'm not perfect and when I do get a bit overwhelmed I usually just go running, either by myself or with my dog. I don't really have anxiety issues, so I'm not quite sure how to deal with that.

[Juu-kuchi]

I sleep, or I play video games.

[Daxdiv]

Various ways, draw, write, play video games, work out, read, sleep, mess around in Paint.net or any other photo editing software.

[Sketch]

At work in the factory I usually kick the large trash bin if I need to vent some frustration. I realize that's not good advice but hey sometimes you just have to hit something just make sure it's SOMETHING not SOMEONE or something valuable.

I find fighting video games to be a good release as well when I have one on hand.

But generally I deal with stress or anxiety by focusing on other things more specifically things I enjoy thinking about.

Just calm down and try not to worry about it. Use whatever methods you prefer to calm down. Listen to soothing music (though I hear there are benefits to angry music at times), do something to occupy your mind (books, videos, games, etc.) and remember whatever it is your dealing with isn't likely the end of the world. Just an obstacle that can be tackled one step at a time.

[Marvin Tikvah]

By dealing with my problems head-on and realizing they're not nearly as much of a problem as I perceive them to be.

When that's not possible, it helps to entertain myself with something that's always been there for me.

[DBZNarutoWarrior]

I get a little anxious when I have to do oral presentations, but everyone does to some degree. I really never calm down from it until I say my first word. So I usually am the one who volunteers to go early (not first though HAHA). As for stress, I usually go to a batting cage or hit some baseballs at the baseball field with some friends. I never really get unbearably stressed out or anxious luckily, though.

[Plague Rat]

Meditate.

The first thing I do is do what my therapist told me to do. Breathe in slowly then hold your breath for a couple of seconds. Then release slowly. Repeat. While doing this, try and release your mind from all your worries and troubles. Erase everything; clear it. Pretend that all your worries, stress, fears are non-existant and focus on nothing but yourself and your breathing. Find your inner peace.

Meditation is basically an art that I've learned from converting to Wicca, but that doesn't mean no one else can try it too. (Don't worry, this is only part of Wiccan practice for rituals that require a lot of focus and inner peace, so don't think it'll do anything bad to you or whatnot.)

Don't give up if it doesn't work the first time. It takes me a while to calm down from my anxiety, so don't expect miracles.

Another suggestion is tea, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, etc. Hot drinks like that are very relaxing and calm down your nerves. Usually why a lot of these drinks people associate with having before bed. Obviously coffee or any drinks with caffeine are an exception to this, and do make sure it's not caffeinated hot chocolate. (Which exists.)

I've had major issues with my anxiety and panic attacks for a while, and I'm trying my best to find options to calm myself down without turning to anything self-destructive. I won't go into that, it's very private matters that only certain people I may feel comfortable explaining it about to. (Not everyone is mature enough to digest it.)

But any advice that anyone has, I would gladly appreciate. c: Anyone who would like to talk about it to, is welcome to.

[Dalgrod]

In the moment I usually take a deep breath and daydream a little. When I come back from a stressful workday I usually practice Hapkido or beat the living crap out of a punching bag (that thing has lasted so long, I think it's older than I am:)).

Doing something you enjoy also helps.

[Hanshotfirst113]

Prozac and therapy at the moment, but even then I still find myself unable to deal with some things. I think that part of it comes from my fear to confront many of my problems.

[EzraBladerunner]

Man, everyone has some great tips. Definitely doing more of what you enjoy and maybe a punching bag would be great. Heheh...

TripleS, that sounds like great advice. Meditation, I'll have to try that myself and keep going at it. Same goes for the hot drinks (I never tried HOT apple cider, that sounds really good, but hot chocolate is always a favorite of mine).

Hanshotfirst113, I think fear of confronting problems is also one of my main issue in the first place. You know, like one of the roots of my problems. Confronting problems or issues in life is something I'm afraid of. Then it goes into a vicious circle. From fear of confronting problems to getting nervous/stressed out to realizing my fear of confronting problems and back again. Ahem... Anyway, I don't know what to give for advice for that, but to jump in anyway and go head first (like someone else said in this thread).

I guess it sounds kind of like jumping in a pool of ice, cold water. You just have to jump in head first. Although I think in addition to fear of confronting my problems (may actually BE the reason, dunno...) is my fear of failure or screwing up on something.